History Of St Tropez

Located on the shores of a natural harbour and in a strategic position on the Mediterranean coast, St Tropez has figured prominently in the military history of the region and has more recently served as an inspiration for artists as well as a recreation spot for the rich and famous.

Ancient times

It is believed that the first fishing village was established by the Phoenicians, and survived through Roman times. The town and bay took their name from Torpes, an important Roman nobleman who was converted to Christianity then martyred in 68 AD. Legend has it that the small boat carrying his body washed ashore at the site which is now St Tropez and in doing so, it gave the town and bay a patron saint that is still revered in festivals to this day.

Maritime importance

Throughout the Middle Ages and into modern times, the town was known for producing fine sailors, navigators and naval strategists, and even had a French naval shipyard that produced one of the finest ships of the line. Perhaps this had something to do with the decision to populate and defend the town with people from the famous Italian maritime town of Genoa in the 16th century, a decision which was rewarded in 1637 when the small St Tropez army fought off a fleet of 21 Spanish galleons that tried to lay siege to the town. The Genoese built very sturdy defences, such as the Citadel, which remains standing to this day. The harbour was also one of the safest in the area and was often used as a port of refuge in stormy weather.

Arrival of the artists

St Tropez has featured significantly in the artistic movement since the late 19th century, when the neo-Impressionist Paul Signac - one of the many prominent people throughout the ages who discovered the charming town by having to shelter from nasty weather - built a house in the town and hosted famous painters such as Matisse. During the early 20th century, the town became a centre of Bohemian innovation and lifestyle, crowded with painters, writers and other artists.

Modern era

St Tropez was bombed heavily during WWII and was used as an Allied landing site during the war’s latter stages. Despite the bombing and fighting, many of the town’s historic structures escaped serious damage. After WWII, St Tropez found life in the tourism industry, particularly after the filming of ‘And God Created Woman’ in 1956, staring Bridget Bardot, which was set in the town. St Tropez came to be associated with the rich and famous jet-set crowd, who still frequent the town to this day. Modern St Tropez is a glittery, stylish resort, bustling with a trendy cultural and nightlife scene.